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Planet New York Tattoo, Poughkeepsie
Tattoo artist
When did you first become interested in tattooing?
Vincent Manco: I was into music a lot as a kid. From just seeing bands and everybody covered in tattoos…You want to emulate your heroes. [It was] probably initially through music.
How did you start tattooing?
VM: I had gone to school for graphic design, and I was trying to build a portfolio to transfer to go to fine arts school instead. I just fell into the opportunity, and I met a friend who was willing to teach me. I just threw all my eggs in that basket and never looked back.
What is your personal style like?
VM: I guess based in traditional, but I definitely like to bring my own flair to it and bring something different to it.
Do you have any memorable tattoos you have created for people?
VM: Plenty of them. I don’t know if I have any of them that make an anecdotal story, but I have plenty of tattoos that I thought have come out cool. Not anything that stands out as a great story or anything like that, but I like to try to make something cool every day.
Photo by Michele Manco
How many tattoos do you personally have?
VM: I don’t know. I have some substantial open space still, but I mean most of my torso, arms, and legs are covered. I haven’t kept track of how many tattoos I have. Past a certain point, you’re not really counting anymore.
Where in the Hudson Valley do you tattoo?
VM: I tattoo in Poughkeepsie right across the street from Marist College. Culinary is right up the street as well. We are in a prime location as far as colleges go.
What do you like clients to know before they get a tattoo with you?
VM: To trust the process, relax about it, and not have to constantly worry about every little step of the way. We got it figured out and have been at it for a while. Everybody is always anxious about getting tattoos, but we do this every day and it is going to be fine. If you made the right decision about picking the right place to go, you don’t have anything to worry about.
Photo by Vincent Manco
What are you looking forward to at Hudson Valley Tattoo Fest?
VM: Just to see a few of my favorite tattooers from around the world all working in the same place. I have done conventions before, you know me and Sag from Planet New York used to do four or five of them a year. But this one is pretty stacked as far as the talent, and it is pretty standout. It is going to be a pretty humbling room to be in as a tattooer.
What does 2019 and the future look like for you?
VM: I am just going to be hanging out at my home base, Planet New York, slinging tattoos and doing a bit more traveling, hopefully some guest spots. But, take it as it goes and make cool stuff every day.